Surface coating processes for switch panel glass are key technologies for enhancing its durability, aesthetics, and functionality. Common processes include AF nano-coating, AG etching, sol-gel methods, magnetron sputtering, and chemical vapor deposition (CVD). These processes form functional thin films on the glass surface through physical or chemical means, endowing it with hydrophobic, oleophobic, fingerprint-resistant, and scratch-resistant properties, meeting the high requirements of smart home scenarios for switch panels.
AF nano-coating is currently one of the most widely used processes for switch panel glass. Its core principle is to form a nanoscale hydrophobic and oleophobic film on the glass surface through spraying or coating, with the main component being fluorinated silane compounds. The molecular structure of this film anchors one end to the glass surface, while the other end forms a low surface energy layer, significantly reducing the adhesion of fingerprints, oil, and other contaminants. Switch panel glass with AF coating typically has a water droplet angle ≥110°, making it difficult for water droplets or oil to remain, and it has a smooth and delicate feel; daily cleaning only requires wiping with a soft, dry cloth to restore its shine. Furthermore, the AF coating is extremely thin, barely affecting the glass's light transmittance and maintaining the panel's original gloss and texture.
The AG etching process, on the other hand, uses chemical or physical methods to create a micron-level uneven structure on the glass surface, achieving both anti-glare and anti-fingerprint effects. Unlike the "repellency" principle of AF coating, AG etching increases surface roughness, making it difficult for fingerprints and other contaminants to adhere tightly, while simultaneously scattering light to avoid glare interference. AG-etched switch panel glass exhibits a matte texture, a softer visual appeal, and superior scratch resistance compared to ordinary glass. In practical applications, AF and AG processes are often used in combination. For example, the Legrand Vieira series ultra-thin glass panel utilizes a dual process of AF nano-coating and AG etching, ensuring both hydrophobic and oleophobic properties while imparting a warm, matte feel, significantly enhancing the user experience.
The sol-gel method is a process that forms a thin film through solution coating and heat treatment, suitable for preparing oxide functional films. The process involves coating a glass surface with a coating solution, hydrolyzing it to form a gel film, and then sintering it at high temperature to harden it into a dense oxide film. For example, depositing a silica or titanium dioxide film on the glass surface can enhance its hardness and chemical resistance while maintaining optical properties. The advantage of the sol-gel method is that the film composition can be flexibly adjusted; for example, incorporating silver nanoparticles can prepare an antibacterial film, and incorporating carbon nanotubes can prepare a conductive film, meeting the diverse functional requirements of switch panel glass.
Magnetron sputtering coating is a physical vapor deposition technique that uses high-energy ions to bombard a target, causing target atoms to deposit onto the glass surface to form a thin film. This process can prepare metal, oxide, or composite films with strong adhesion, good uniformity, and excellent wear resistance. For example, depositing a titanium or chromium oxide film on the switch panel glass surface can significantly improve its scratch resistance while maintaining a smooth surface. The disadvantages of magnetron sputtering coating are higher equipment costs and a more complex process, and it is mostly used in high-end switch panels or applications with stringent performance requirements.
Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) deposits thin films on glass surfaces through gas reactions at high temperatures, allowing for the creation of complex films. For example, depositing a silica antireflective film on glass reduces light reflection and increases light transmittance; depositing silicon nitride or silicon carbide films enhances hardness and high-temperature resistance. CVD films exhibit high density and superior corrosion and abrasion resistance compared to PVD films, but the high-temperature environment can cause glass deformation, necessitating strict control of process parameters.
AF nano-coating excels in abrasion resistance and fingerprint resistance. It reduces surface energy, making it difficult for contaminants to adhere, and its extremely thin film thickness does not affect the glass's light transmittance or tactile feel. Combined with AG etching, it further enhances scratch resistance and visual comfort, making it the preferred solution for high-end switch panel glass. For instance, Chint's NEW 3LD ultra-thin glass switch panel utilizes AF nano-coating technology, making it resistant to fingerprints during daily use, and its oleophobic and hydrophobic properties make cleaning easier—a simple wipe restores its shine, perfectly balancing aesthetics and practicality.
